A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has switched to Arthur Scargill's Socialist Labour Party following a complaint about his behaviour and attendance record at council meetings.

Coun Ken Seymour, who was suspended from the Liberal Democrat group on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council a month ago, confirmed his defection this week.

Coun Chris Abbott, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on the council, said: "Ken was suspended because of a complaint about his behaviour and because of his failure to attend council meetings.

"Because of his failure Liberal Democrats were continually having to sit in committee meetings, substituting for him.''

Coun Seymour, member for St Germain's ward, Marske, said: "There was one complaint and the legal adviser did write to me, private and confidential, but he sent a copy to Chris Abbott as a courtesy - and he showed it to the rest of the group.''

He said the first year he was elected he was given seats on committees but was subsequently left out, adding that regulations stipulated a minimum attendance at one council meeting every six months.

Coun Seymour described his old party, of which he was once group secretary, as 'wishy-washy.'

He said: "Having read the manifestos I feel as if the Socialist Labour Party meet my principles. I see the Liberal Democrats as a bit wishy-washy. They tend to be hanging on to the coat tails of Tony Blair.

"I was a member of the old Labour Party and a member of the Fabian Society. I don't like new Labour.''

Coun Abbot called on Coun Seymour to resign his council seat - and fight a by-election under his new chosen colours.

He said: "He should do the honourable thing because the people of St Germain's Ward, Marske, voted for a Liberal Democrat - not Socialist Labour.''